About
Dr. Alexandr Nikolayevich Zhuruk is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at a surgical clinic in St Thomas and performing surgeries at St Thomas-Elgin General Hospital in St Thomas, ON, he is a respected member of the surgical community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Zhuruk's focus is on diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, and endocrine system, among others. He performs both elective and emergency surgeries, often utilizing minimally invasive techniques to enhance patient recovery. His practice is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-focused care, from initial consultation through to post-operative recovery, utilizing modern surgical techniques and a collaborative approach.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from Belarusian State Medical University in Belarus and has accumulated over 10 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2014. Dr. Zhuruk is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certification underpin his commitment to surgical excellence and comprehensive patient care.
Dr. Zhuruk’s professional philosophy is centered on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. He emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring clear communication and shared decision-making. Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate, he aims to reduce patient discomfort and accelerate recovery. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive management and is dedicated to ongoing professional development. Fluent in English, Russian, and Ukrainian, Dr. Zhuruk effectively communicates with a diverse patient population in St Thomas, ensuring they are well-informed and comfortable throughout their surgical journey.
Dr. Alexandr Zhuruk provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:
Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions
Dr. Zhuruk addresses a range of disorders affecting organs within the abdomen, including the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, appendix, and colon.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding (requiring surgical intervention): An emergency situation requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral, Incisional, Hiatal): Surgical repair is often recommended to prevent pain and complications like strangulation.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Surgical Aspects (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis): Surgical management of complications or medically refractory Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)
Dr. Zhuruk addresses collaborative cancer care where general surgeons work with oncologists to manage solid tumors.
- Breast Cancer: Surgical treatment options including lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) and mastectomy (removal of the breast).
- Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Distal pancreatectomy for tumors in the body or tail of the pancreas.
- Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Alexandr Zhuruk is necessary.
- Sigmoidoscopy: A less extensive examination compared to a full colonoscopy.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Procedure to visualize the upper digestive tract directly.
- Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Discussing the surgical plan, expected outcomes, and answering patient questions before surgery.
- Skin Lesion Excision and Soft Tissue Mass Removal: Surgical removal of benign or malignant skin lesions (e.g., moles, cysts, skin cancers like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma).
- Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.
- Second Opinion for Surgical Conditions: Consultations to help patients make informed decisions about their surgical care.
Note: This list provides an overview of common surgical areas. Specific procedures and treatment plans are determined on an individual basis after consultation with Dr. Zhuruk.
All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.
Dr. Zhuruk's primary clinic is located in the heart of St Thomas, within a modern medical facility in the St Thomas neighborhood. Patients seeking surgical consultation or follow-up care can access the clinic easily, with parking available in hospital-affiliated lots or nearby public parking facilities. Surgical procedures are typically performed at the St Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, which is conveniently situated close to major healthcare facilities, accessible via local public transit routes. The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy. This environment ensures a professional, safe, and patient-oriented setting for consultations, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-up, providing a seamless surgical experience for all patients and visitors.
- What is the typical recovery time after a general surgical procedure performed by Dr. Zhuruk?
- The duration of recovery following surgery with Dr. Zhuruk is specific to the operation performed and your personal health. Minimally invasive surgeries often have shorter recovery periods than traditional open surgeries. Dr. Zhuruk will discuss the expected recovery process, including hospital stay (if any), return to work, and activity restrictions, as part of your pre-operative consultation and post-operative care plan.
- When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Zhuruk?
- You would typically be referred to Dr. Zhuruk if your primary care physician identifies a condition that might benefit from surgical intervention or a specialist surgical opinion. Common reasons include issues like gallstones, appendicitis, hernias, bowel problems, thyroid nodules, breast lumps, or certain skin lesions. General surgeons also perform diagnostic procedures like endoscopies or biopsies to help confirm a diagnosis before planning surgery.
- Do General Surgeons like Dr. Zhuruk ever specialize further?
- Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Zhuruk may develop particular areas of interest or pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties. These can include areas like colorectal surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, surgical oncology (cancer surgery), trauma/critical care surgery, vascular surgery, or pediatric surgery. If Dr. Zhuruk has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise him brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.
- Do I always need surgery if I have a consultation with Dr. Zhuruk?
- A surgical consultation with Dr. Zhuruk doesn't automatically mean you will have surgery. The purpose of the visit is for Dr. Zhuruk to assess your condition thoroughly, review any tests, and discuss whether surgery is the most suitable treatment, or if alternative non-operative options should be considered. The final decision is typically made collaboratively between you and Dr. Zhuruk after weighing the potential risks and benefits.
- What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Zhuruk perform?
- Dr. Zhuruk, a General Surgeon, performs a wide range of surgeries. These frequently involve organs in the abdomen, such as the gallbladder, appendix, stomach, and intestines. They also address hernias, conditions of the breast, thyroid gland, and skin/soft tissue masses. Depending on the condition and patient, Dr. Zhuruk may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.
- Does Dr. Zhuruk perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?
- It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Zhuruk to offer minimally invasive surgical options, including laparoscopic procedures. This approach can lead to benefits like reduced pain and quicker recovery times for many common surgeries. The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the specific medical condition and individual patient factors, which Dr. Zhuruk would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.
- What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Zhuruk do?
- A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Zhuruk, is a highly trained physician specializing in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a broad range of diseases affecting various parts of the body. Their expertise commonly includes conditions of the abdomen (e.g., appendix, gallbladder, intestines, stomach), breast, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system (e.g., thyroid). They perform both elective and emergency surgeries and are skilled in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative patient care. As a General Surgeon, Dr. Zhuruk provides comprehensive surgical management.
236 Elm Street
St Thomas, ON N5R 1J5
Clinic Phone: (519) 631-0567 | Clinic Fax: (519) 631-0921
The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.
Dr. Zhuruk is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Zhuruk for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).
Verify Dr. Zhuruk's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Zhuruk-Alexandr-Nikolayevich/0258739-91317